Chrysler PT Cruiser 2001-2010 review

2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser (Photo: Chrysler)

2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser Limited (Photo: Chrysler)

The iconic Chrysler PT Cruiser offers original retro-styling, easy handling and practical interior with easy access and versatile cargo space. Introduced as a 2001 model, the Chrysler PT Cruiser was available only as a five-door wagon. A two-door convertible was added for 2005 but, discontinued after 2008.
Classified in US as a truck, the PT Cruiser rides on a car-like front-wheel drive unibody platform, with a 4-cylinder engine. For 2001, the only available engine was a 150-hp 2.4L 4-cylinder DOHC. This engine has a timing belt that needs to be replaced in recommended intervals.
A turbocharged version was added for 2003.
The transmission choices include a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic.

Inside, the PT Cruiser also looks like no other car. The 2001-2005 models had a center console designed in a similar fashion to many other Chrysler cars (scroll down for photos), while the 2006 and later models got a retro-styled dashboard with the old-fashioned instruments and a signature clock at the top of the center console (in the photo above). Interestingly, the power window controls are also mounted on the center console. See more photos below. The access is easy. The tall upright driver's seat gives a good view of the road ahead, but the thick rear pillars reduce rear visibility. The rear seats can be folded forward or removed completely giving the PT Cruiser plenty of cargo space.

On the road, the PT Cruiser is easy to handle and fun to drive. The ride is firm, but road bumps are absorbed nicely. The non-turbo engine feels a bit underpowered on acceleration, but is adequate around-town.
On the downside, the turning radius is wide and the road, wind and engine noise are noticeable at higher speeds.

Antilock brakes, traction control and side-impact airbags were optional. In the NHTSA frontal crash tests, the 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser received only two stars for the driver and four stars for the front passenger. The improved 2002-2010 PT Cruiser received four stars for both the driver and the front passenger. In the NHTSA side-impact crash tests, the 2001-2010 PT Cruiser received four stars for the driver and five stars for the rear passenger protection. For more details, visit Safercar.gov

Pros:

Original retro style
Easy to customize
Available with manual transmission
Easy handling
Versatility
Lots of cargo space
Available as a convertible
Easy access
Used models are not very expensive

Cons:

Poor fuel economy
Lack of passing power on non-turbo models
Low front end scrapes easily
Paint chips easily
Depreciates fast
Reliability is below average

Overall, the PT Cruiser sure is an eye-catcher with its retro style. It has roomy practical interior with a tall roof and versatile cargo space. It's fun to drive and you can choose between a two-door convertible or five-door wagon and between an automatic or manual transmission. The turbocharged models are also available. Unfortunately, the fuel economy is not very good and the reliability is also below average. The low front end scrapes easily. The cramped engine compartment makes it difficult to work on; to change the spark plugs, the top part of the intake manifold has to come off. The PT Cruiser doesn't hold the value very well and there are plenty of complaints about electrical, front end and other problems. An extended warranty is worth considering for these reasons.
The PT Cruiser's engine has a timing belt that needs to be replaced in recommended intervals. Timing belt replacement is labor intensive and could be costly.
The good news is a used PT Cruiser is not very expensive and there are so many Chrysler PT Cruiser accessories available, that you can easily customize your PT Cruiser to look like nothing else on the street.

What to look for buying a used Chrysler PT Cruiser

First, check used car history records to check for any previous issues with the car, such as accidents, flood damage, rolled back odometer, etc.
If you notice any oil or coolant leaks, have it checked by a mechanic, some leaks could point to expensive to repair problems. A black soot in the exhaust or a blue smoke may indicate excessive oil consumption. If you see any smoke, even a puff of blue smoke when the car is started, avoid a car. During a test-drive, if you notice the engine temperature rises above normal, avoid a car. Vibration and growling or whining noise coming from the wheels could indicate a bad wheel bearing, which is a fairly common issue. Watch for any noises from the suspension. There are plenty of suspension components that can go bad. Read more what to look for when buying a used car
Before buying a used car, have it inspected by a mechanic of your choice.
Read our step-by-step used car buying guide for more information.
Some models may be costly to insure. Check the insurance quote first.
Consider an extended warranty to protect from unexpected repair costs.
This website: Ptcruizer.com has a good collection of repair tips.

Chrysler PT Cruiser problems

One of the issues that can cause the engine to overheat is a bad cooling fan motor. The cooling fan has two speeds, often one of them stops working. Sometimes this could happen intermittently. If the engine overheats, the repair could be quite expensive. The wheel bearings are not uncommon to go bad.
Some suspension problems, like bad control arm bushings are fairly common.
The corrosion on the alloy rims often causes the tires to loose air. A bad camshaft sensor could cause the code P0340 as well as some driveability issues. When replacing the camshaft sensor, it's best to use an original part bought from a dealer.
The part called watt's link in the rear suspension commonly goes bad causing the clunking noise from the rear when driving over bumps. If you Google 'watts link pt cruiser' there are few DIY instructions how to replace it. If you need an online DIY repair manual, here is the link: Where to find DIY repair information.

Few maintenance tips

Change the engine oil regularly. Check the tire pressure regularly; there are some complaints about tires loosing air due to corrosion on the rims.
The PT Cruiser 2.4L engine has a timing belt that needs to be replaced at recommended intervals. The owner's manual for the 2007 model PT Cruiser recommends replacing the timing belt every 102,000 miles or 170,000 km for a non-turbo engine and 100,000 miles or 160,000 km for a turbocharged engine. I'd recommend to replace the timing belt earlier, for example, at 80,000 - 90,000 miles, or at least, have it checked when the mileage is approaching the change interval. When doing the timing belt, it makes sense to replace the water pump as well.
Flashing Check Engine light and occasional misfiring could be caused by bad spark plugs and wires; if you haven't done a tune-up in a while, it might be a good idea to do it now. If you notice that the engine temperature rises above normal, have the car checked before it overheats.
Change transmission fluid at recommended intervals using only original transmission fluid. Stick with original parts.
Keep all the fluids clean and topped up.
Have your car inspected at least once a year in a garage on the lift (e.g. when doing tire rotation) to keep it safe. Check more Car maintenance tips. If you need an owner's manual, here is the link: where to download the owner's manual. If your Check Engine light is on and you know the trouble code, read what it means here: OBDII Engine trouble codes.

2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser short specifications (US 5-door model)

Dimensions:
Overall length: Overall width: Overall height: Wheelbase:	168.9 in (4290 mm) 67.1 in (1705 mm) 63.0 in (1601 mm) 103.0 in (2616 mm)
Ground Clearance:	5.5 in (140 mm)
Estimated Base Curb Weight:	3,070 lb (1392 kg)— manual transaxle 3,222 lb (1461 kg)— automatic transaxle
Cargo capacity:
Behind rear seats: With rear seats out:	21.6 cu. ft. (0.61 cu. m) 62.7 cu. ft. (1.78 cu. m)
Engines:
Standard: Optional:	2.4-liter DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder 150 bhp @ 5,100 rpm, 165 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm 2.4-liter DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder Turbocharged 180 bhp @ 5,200 rpm, 210 lb-ft @ 2,800-4,000 rpm
EPA Fuel Economy (US MPG, L/100km):
4-cyl, Manual: 4-cyl, Automatic: 4-cyl Turbo, Automatic:	city: 21 MPG (11.2 L/100km) hwy: 26 MPG (9.0 L/100km) city: 19 MPG (12.4 L/100km) hwy: 24 MPG (9.8 L/100km) city: 18 MPG (13.1 L/100km) hwy: 24 MPG (9.8 L/100km)
Recommended Fuel:	Unleaded regular, 87 octane
Fuel Tank Capacity:	15 US gallons (57 liters)
Engine oil capacity:
Engine Oil with Filter: 2.4 Liter / 2.4L Turbo Engines	5.0 US qt (4.7L) (SAE 5W-30, API Certified)